Many times, people get a little confused when it comes to severe cold and flu symptoms. It can be a little hard to know the difference between the two conditions. This is especially because they both have some of the same signs. But, having a little clarity about the differences between these two illnesses can help you decide on the best ways to treat your condition.

Defining the Cold and Flu

A common cold is a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract. It can cause a lot of discomfort. But, it usually passes quickly, within one or two weeks. A cold can spread through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through physical contact. If a person who has a cold touches an item, like a toy or blanket, it can make other people sick when they touch the same object. Sharing utensils can spread the virus, too. A cold virus enters the body through the nose, eyes, or mouth. Of course, you can get a cold any time of the year. But, people tend to get colds during the cooler months, especially during winter and fall.

Influenza, or the flu, is also a viral infection. It normally takes a couple of days to feel the impact of the flu. This viral infection affects the lungs, nose, and throat. Like a cold, the flu is contagious and can spread through the air. It is passed around in most of the same ways as a common cold: coughing, sneezing, talking, physical contact, and so forth. Unless the condition is extremely severe or causes other complications, people can get better within about one or two weeks.

Comparing Severe Cold and Flu Symptoms

Again, both of these conditions have similar signs and symptoms. That’s why people get a little mixed up with severe cold and flu signs. But, let’s take a look at the differences between colds and flus:

Cold: People don’t usually get a fever.
Flu: Normally, those who have the flu with have a fever.

Cold: If you have a cold, you most likely won’t have chills.
Flu: You’ll probably experience chills.

Cold: People who have colds usually sneeze a lot.
Flu: Sneezing doesn’t happen as often.

Cold: This condition doesn’t usually cause aches and pains.
Flu: Most of the time, people feel muscle aches when they have the flu.

Cold: Sometimes, you might have a headache if you have a cold.
Flu: You’re more likely to have a headache if you have the flu.

Cold: Common colds can make individuals feel fatigued and tired. But, they rarely make people feel extremely exhausted.
Flu: Total exhaustion is common with the flu.

How to Prevent Severe Cold and Flu Conditions

These illnesses are different in a couple of ways. But, you can use some of the same methods to prevent yourself from getting them. You can prevent severe cold and flu symptoms by washing your hands a lot. Also, try to avoid being around the viruses as much as you can. Encourage those who are sick to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze. Do not use the same cups or utensils as someone who is ill. If a family member is or has recently been sick, disinfect and clean your home as well as you can.

Treating a Severe Cold and Flu

If you have either of these viral infections, you should absolutely see your doctor. If he or she prescribes a medication for your treatment, don’t worry! The RX Helper is here to help people get pricey medication at little to no cost. Some of the prescriptions we help with can treat severe cold and flu symptoms. If you would like more information about our prescription assistance prescription program, contact us today.

Winter is nearing, and so are winter health concerns. Whether you seem to get a cold around the winter months, need the motivation to maintain health, or seem to struggle with the cost of medications in the winter months, this article is for you! For individuals who are worried about their health this winter, there are a few winter health tips you can take advantage of this year!

Keeping Care of Your Skin

Cold, dry air can affect your skin. So, it’s important to be prepared so that your largest organ can be taken care of this winter! To prevent drying of your lips, invest in a nice lip balm which can protect you from blisters and tears.To keep skin from drying, make sure to routinely apply lotions or moisturizers. Additionally, water is essential to keep the skin hydrated. So, make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day and stay hydrated this winter. Finally, many are starting to acknowledge and experience the benefits of an air humidifier. These make the air in your home less arid so that your skin can get a break from the outside! There are a number of options available, so it’s best to conduct your research before purchasing a solution you think suits your home!

Keeping Up with Exercise

Especially if you live in a northern state, it may be harder to go out and get the exercise you need in colder weather.  But, don’t let winter determine if you’re getting the exercise you need to maintain health. Instead of exercising outside, choose an indoor option. If your area is short on community centers and classes, you may want to consider joining a gym for a few months. Many gyms understand that many of their guests don’t need an annual contract and only wish to reside indoors for their exercise during the winter.

Boost Your Immune System

Everyone knows that the winter months are when flu and colds get spread around. But, not everyone knows how to prepare their immune system for this inevitable illness season. Probiotics and immune supplements can help prepare your body to fight off infection, illness, and bacteria before it’s even noticed. To help boost immune health even more, make sure you’re taking your daily multivitamin. Getting the vitamins you need can not only keep you healthy but help your body to fight off any illness which may come your way this winter!

Healthy Diet, Healthy Mind

Pumpkin pie, sugar cookies, and a number of other sweets fill our minds when we picture the holidays. But, make sure to keep a balanced diet to refrain from excess weight gain this winter. Diet not only can affect your weight, but it can affect the way you feel as well! Especially in the winter months when the sun doesn’t provide as much vitamin D for you to absorb through the skin. So, it’s important to eat foods which naturally provide vitamin D. Beat the winter blues by eating foods like salmon, cheese, eggs, tuna, yogurt, and beef.

Get a Flu Shot

Don’t let going head first into flu season without the flu shot your regret this winter. The elderly, children and everyone in between are at a higher risk for catching the flu virus as soon as winter hits. So, be prepared by asking your doctor about your family’s flu shots before it’s too late!

Getting Help Paying for Winter Health Medications

Worried about how you’re going to pay for your prescriptions this winter? If you have little or no prescription insurance coverage, you may be eligible to receive medication discounts on hundreds of medications. These programs, otherwise known as patient assistance programs, are available through our services at a small monthly fee. Find out if your medications are covered by viewing our list of discounted or even completely covered medications. And, find out if you’re qualified to receive these discounts by checking out the qualification requirements listed on our website!

Heart problems are a growing concern for Americans. In fact, heart problems are such a concern that they are actually the number one cause of death in America according to a study performed by The Heart Foundation. Although prescription medication can help those who have already been affected by heart disease, the best thing to do is prevent heart problems altogether. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your heart healthy. Check out these lifestyle changes you can use to reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Keep Your Heart Healthy by Reducing Non-Natural Sugars

Sure, it’s important to reduce sugar intake. When sugar is digested, it turns to fat. And, fat should only be about 10% of our daily intake. So, all in all, sugar is something that we can consume as humans. But, it’s something that should definitely be regulated. Along with sugar moderation, humans who are trying to keep healthy hearts should also regulate non-natural sugar intake. While natural sugars can be digested easily, added sugars like high fructose corn syrup cannot. Try reducing the number of sugary drinks and foods are consumed. If you have a sweet tooth and are having trouble eliminating or reducing sugar from your diet, try implementing the natural sweetness of fruits into your daily diet!

Keep Your Heart Healthy by Exercising More

When your heart is weak, it won’t perform the way it should. The heart is a muscle, and as such, it can get stronger with exercise. When you work out, your heart works out too. Exercise causes an increased heart rate to compensate for the need to transfer of oxygen throughout the bloodstream. Increasing the heart rate through exercise is recommended three times a week for at least half an hour. But, even light exercise can help to keep your heart healthy. To implement more exercise into your daily schedule, try parking farther away in parking lots so that you’re forced to take some extra steps. If you want to take walking even further, try swapping out your car keys for your walking shoes and walk to the store, work, or on other errands. If you don’t like walking, try a gym membership. Most facilities implement easy, moderate, and advanced classes for individuals who want to work on heart health!

Keep Your Heart Healthy by Reducing Salt Intake

Those with high blood pressure are at an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and other heart diseases. This is because high blood pressure adds more stress and pressure on the heart. To reduce your risk for high blood pressure and, in turn, your risk for heart disease, lower your salt intake. Salt can increase high blood pressure because when there is too much salt digested, the body compensates by holding onto water. This over-storage of water is held in the blood and results in the body having to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. So, swap out your salty snacks for something more heart conscious.

Keeping Your Heart Healthy by Taking Daily Prescription Medications

It’s fortunate that those who have not been diagnosed with heart disease can still reduce their risk and prevent heart attack or stroke. But, for those who have already been diagnosed with a heart disease, it’s even more important to implement these lifestyle changes. And, additional to making healthy decisions throughout daily life, these individuals should also take their prescribed medication. But, for many, the costs of heart medications can be debilitating. If you or a loved one needs help to afford the cost of their heart disease prescriptions, The RX Helper may be able to help. Give us a call today at 877-767-3297 to find out how.